Leigh Anne & Matt
Things To Do
The Signature Lounge at the 96th
A must-see for new visitors. The Signature Lounge on the 96th floor has the most amazing views of the city (especially from the Ladies' Bathroom!) This is a great place to go for cocktails and apps before dinner.
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours
Both Leigh Anne and Matt have done this tour multiple times. This is a great tour to view Chicago from the river while also learning about Chicago's architecture and the history that inspired it.
Gino's East
This is one of Joe Kapustynski's favorite restaurants for deep dish. The pizza is great but the ambience is even better--- be sure to ask your waiter for a sharpie so you can sign your name on the walls!
Cloud Gate
Location of the infamous Chicago Bean. Stop here for a great photo op.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
The great deep dish pizza debate continues! For many Chicagoans (including both Matt and Leigh Anne), Lou's is the place to go for the best deep dish in town.
Navy Pier
This is a fun place to spend a few hours if you are looking for restaurants and shopping. Be aware, it is a little touristy :-)
Gibsons Italia
This is our all-time favorite steakhouse in the city. This is also the restaurant where we got engaged! The arancini appetizer is our go-to and make sure you save room for desert... the banana gelato is Leigh Anne's favorite dessert EVER and it's also the infamous dessert that Matt popped the question over.
City Winery
Great wine, amazing view, located right on the Riverwalk
Guaranteed Rate Field
If you are here for the groom, this is his favorite place to go to watch a baseball game. If you are here for the bride, head to the north side :-)
Lou Mitchell's
One of our favorite breakfast spots in Chicago. This is where Matt met Leigh Anne's parents for the first time and also where both of our parents met as well.
Wrigley Field
2016 was the year that made Leigh Anne fall in love with Chicago and ultimately led to her staying around long enough to meet Matt. Despite Matt's valiant efforts, she still remains a Cubs fan (although the Anthony Rizzo trade irreparably broke her heart).
Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering
Another great breakfast spot on the Northside. If you go, make sure to order the cinnamon rolls!!!
Lincoln Park Zoo
This is one of Leigh Anne's favorite places to wander and look at the animals-- plus admission is free!
Yolk - Streeterville
A great breakfast spot in the city
The Second City
For anyone looking to catch a comedy show, Second City is a must! Many comedians and SNL alumni got their start here-- Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Jim Belushi, Eugene Levy!
Little Goat Diner
This is a great spot for any meal and it's located in the very popular food district of Chicago. It's the sister restaurant to the exclusive (and $$$) Girl and the Goat restaurant.
Harborside International Golf Center
According to Matt, Harborside is a great public golf course for anyone looking to hit a few balls while they are out here.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
A Chicago staple if you are looking for great donuts. Leigh Anne's personal favorite is the Chocolate Pocket with Banana and Nutella
Maggie Daley Park
This is where Leigh Anne and her sisters like to go ice skating in the winter. In the summer there is a mini golf course (that Leigh Anne and Matt have yet to try!) If you go, please let us know how it is!!!
Gene & Jude's
If you are flying in from O'Hare, Gene & Jude's is not far from the airport. They are famous for their Chicago-style hot dogs. Leigh Anne prefers them with everything on it (including the sport peppers) but Matt likes his with just onions, relish, and celery salt.
Lakefront Trail
Over 19 miles to walk, run, or ride a bike along the lakefront. For those who want to ride a bike, Divvy bikes are available to rent and rental stations are located all over the city.
Jim's Original
The original Polish Sausage stand, and it's located not far from our wedding venue. It's a great spot for an authentic Chicago Polish sausage or a good hot dog.
Kingston Mines
This is Chicago's largest and oldest continuously operating blues club. It's a great place to have a few drinks and listen to really good live music.
Johnnie's Beef
Our personal favorite if you are looking for a Chicago Italian Beef sandwich. If you don't want to travel so far, check out Al's Italian Beef.
Oak Street Beach
If you are looking to relax and soak up some sun, check out one of Chicago's many beaches. Oak Street Beach is the closest to the downtown area but we also recommend North Avenue Beach or Montrose Beach.
Al's #1 Italian Beef
Great for those looking for an authentic Chicago Italian Beef sandwich.
Ricobene's
The Ricobene's breaded steak sandwich was voted the best country by USA Today.
Mario's Italian Lemonade
If you are looking for a treat to cool you down, head to Mario's for an Italian lemonade. Matt went to high school with the owner Mario, so tell him you know Matt!
Fadó Irish Pub
Fado was where we had our first date. Leigh Anne was over 30 minutes late (thanks to Cubs traffic) but thankfully Matt patiently waited! It's a great Irish Pub and the perfect spot for a quick drink.
Goose Island Brewhouse
One of our favorite local breweries!
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Be sure to get yourself Garrett's popcorn while in Chicago. This iconic store has been around for over 70 years and they are known for the "Garrett Mix"-- a combo of caramel and cheese popcorn.
The Berghoff Restaurant
This is one of Chicago's oldest restaurants and has been around since Chicago hosted the World's Fair in 1893! After the Prohibition, they procured Chicago's first ever liquor license and it's a tradition that still holds true today. Be sure to stop by for some great German food, a beer, and a peek at Chicago history.